"Zara? Earth to Zara...hellllllooooooo?"
"hmmmm? sorry" Zara had been engrossed in the novel she was reading. She'd stumbled upon the amazing library in the house a few days ago, and found some Kafka she hadn't read. She put down her book to peer at Ash who was lazily flipping through a magazine on the floor of the family room.
"I was saying... I need some life...I'm getting bored sitting around the house all day. What do you say we drive into the city and stay at our place there for the weekend?"
"Ummmm, actually, that sounds like a good idea...what did you have in mind?"
Ash's eyes narrowed "Wow, that was quick. Usually, I have to drag you out. Anyway I'm not complaining, and before you change my mind, here's 'what I had in mind': I was thinking a movie and then we hit the clubs. I hear Threshold's playing at one of my favorite clubs, so I thought we could stop off there."
"Ooooh, you just want to ogle that guy...what's his name? Oh right...Josh. Honestly, refresh my memory; why am I your friend?"
Ash smiled and happily said "Because you're the coolest gal on the planet. A really sweet gal who will join her friend tonight..."
"Fine, but I don't have anything to wear."
Ash squealed and jumped up to hug Zara "Dahling, since when was that ever a problem. You're at my house and we're the same size. It's a no brainer. You know, for someone so smart, you sure act pretty stupid."
"Heyy, don't push it" Zara growled, but she was smiling as she got up and followed Ash to her room. It'll be good for me to get out, have some fun, do something unusual. This past week has been so confusing. That kiss...I will not think about it, it'll just get me tense Zara thought to herself.
After Alex had kissed her, they'd avoided each other. She'd never had a problem like this before--she was a quiet person. She'd been too quiet to be noticed in high school, and in college she'd had Ash to help her along. She'd only just learned how to have a relaxed conversation with a boy. Zara was confused, so she just let things stand and spent the week reading and relaxing.
********
They'd arrived at the club before the band went on, so the two wandered over to the bar to relax and chat for a while. Ash had gotten a sam adams, but Zara, preferring to stay sober--one of them had to drive tonight--opted for a mineral water and turned to skim the crowd. She stiffened when she saw Jake and Alex making their way towards the bar.
"Ash, you didn't mentioned the guys would be here" she said casually, but Ash only glanced over and replied,
"Oh yeah sorry. Jake called me while you were in the bathroom at the movies and I suggested they join us....ooooh look they're about to start." The club manager was standing at the mike;
"Men, you better watch your girls....folks, make some noise for Josh Zrastoff of Threshold!!!"
Ash squealed and disappeared into the crowd to dance with the guy she'd been chatting with, so she didn't notice Zara violently start and look up at the man on the stage.
She glanced back toward the bar tender who smirked and said "too weak?" referring to her mineral water.
She nodded "Give me a shot of the toughest stuff you got"
"You got it lady" There was no way this little girl was gonna be able to knock back the shit he had stocked up. Well it would be funny to see her try and she looked like she needed some courage. He handed her a glass and was shocked when she threw it back with a practiced hand that trembled somewhat.
"Give me another"
In a somewhat respectful tone the bartender replied "Sure thing miss."
******
Alex groaned when he saw Zara sitting at the bar surveying the crowd "Jake, you didn't tell me the girls were gonna be here"
His friend grinned "Yeah, and plenty of other girls...what, scared of showing innocent Zara what a player you are?"
Alex reluctantly smiled back. Yeah, he had dated girls--no deep relationships, just casual, nothing special, not since Amanda. But he wouldn't think of that now. Jake was right though...there was no reason to avoid Zara. Things had been awkward between them this past week. Maybe he should patch things over, although he still didn't know why he'd given her that kiss. It wasn't like he hadn't kissed before. On the contrary, he'd hooked up often enough, but this was different. She was so innocent and new; something to explore. And she didn't seem like the type of girl he'd normally, casually date. Never mind. He shifted his gaze to Zara.
She looked good in black leather pants and a v neck top that showed a little bit of cleavage. Her hair was not down, but was straight and drawn back in a high ponytail. She was wearing only some burgundy lipstick and mascara. She looked good. Better than good, she looked sexy.
He was still thoughtfully looking at her when the band was announced. He frowned when he noticed Zara pale, as if she'd seen a ghost, and even from this distance he could see she was trembling. She turned to the bartender and he handed her something which she tossed back without a problem. Alex's eyes narrowed. Now this was interesting; where did innocent Zara learn to knock back shots like that? Alex started to make his way towards her when a busty blonde fell against him. It took a while for her to get the hint, but he was soon rid of her. Still, it was enough time for Zara to have disappeared by the time he got to the bar.
